If, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, these three pictures are worth their weight in gold. They were taken on one of Mel Tillis’ last appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. You can see from the smile on my face how easily he could make me laugh…and in the last picture you can see how much we genuinely cared for one another.

I probably knew Mel longer than I knew any other Nashville artist. We met in late 1957 or early 1958 on a show called the Peach State Jamboree in Swainsboro, Georgia. I was one of the “local” entertainers and Mel was the week’s special guest from Nashville. Our first conversation, after being introduced, went something like this:

Mel: I…I…I heard your rec…record on every damn ra…ra…radio station in Ge…Ge..Ge…Georgia on my way d…d…down here. Hoss, it’s a sma…sma…smash!

Me: Thank you. Are you talking about the ballad called, “City Lights?”

Mel: W…W…Well, every station I lis…lis…listened to was p…p…playing it. Do…do you have an extra cop…copy I could have?”

I assured him that I did, and I gave him one. Next thing I knew, he had returned to Nashville and recorded his own version of “No Song To Sing” on Columbia Records. It wasn’t a hit for Mel, but it was the flip side of his first national hit, “A Violet And A Rose.”

In later years, he confessed to never having flipped my record over and listening to “City Lights.” “Hell,” he stuttered, “I cou…could have had the hit in…in…stead of Ray Pr…Pr…Price!”

In 1989, toward the end of his recording career, Mel started his own label called Radio Records. Believe it or not, his first release…and the last record he ever had on the Billboard charts…was an incredible version of “City Lights.”

Rest in peace, my friend. And thanks for a lifetime of laughs, music, and memories.

If, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, these three pictures are worth their weight in gold. They were taken on one of Mel Tillis’ last appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. You can see from the smile on my face how easily he could make me laugh…and in the last picture you can see how much we genuinely cared for one another.

I probably knew Mel longer than I knew any other Nashville artist. We met in late 1957 or early 1958 on a show called the Peach State Jamboree in Swainsboro, Georgia. I was one of the “local” entertainers and Mel was the week’s special guest from Nashville.

I thought you might like to see a short video taken Saturday November 4th on the campus of MIddle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. My friend and longtime singing partner, Jan Howard, was being honored with the Gold Star Award for her tireless efforts in support of the U.S. military. This video is an edited […]

So many of you continue to ask about my grandson, Gabe, and how things are progressing in his battle with cancer. I received this letter from his mom, Beth, while I was on vacation, and I want to share it with you.

Thank you SO much for your continued prayers and concerns. Please don’t stop now!

Hi Gang:
For the past several years, many of you have been following my grandson, Gabe, and his battle with a very rare type of cancer. Gabe is now twelve years old, and a straight-A student in middle school, in spite of the fact he misses at least one week every month as he deals with his chemo treatments. His mom, Beth, sent out an update on his condition last week, and I wanted to share it with you:

My daughter-in-law, Beth, has been telling me that my 8-year old granddaughter, Hallie, really wants to go to the Opry with me one night….just the two of us. So last night we decided that a Friday night would be best because Hallie doesn’t have to get up early on Saturdays like she does on Sundays for church. I sent Beth my Friday night schedule for the next two months and told her to pick the date that worked best for her.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! I hope you get to spend it with the ones you love the most. My friend, Jerry Dowling in Cincinnati, did this drawing, and I thought you’d get a kick out of it. If you like his work (he did the 94th birthday drawing of Little Jimmy Dickens back in 2015), you might […]

I Believe he chose the song because it’s a Great one,I’m very glad he did..I have enjoyed your singing through the years.I’ll Always Remember the times I went to see you..Good memories!.This is a Beautiful Tribute to one of the Greats..I’m listening to him right now.I just want to say Thanks for sharing your talent with the world..Love Ya Elaine

As long as I have been a Bill Anderson fan, I have been a Ray Price fan. I have loved your writing for so many years, but nothing has ever been as beautiful as these comments you wrote today. I could not get through this without tears coming to my eyes. God Bless you and we have lost another one of our heroes.

Hey Bill, Tim from Athens ga. Thanks for all ur great music through the years.I enjoyed all ur city lights festivals especially the ray price vince gill concert.ur appearances at the grand ole opry.have seen u up there twice.Just caught u on match game.how fun that had to be.keep the hits coming.hope to see back near here soon.

Bill I am so happy you shared this memory of Ray Price and what he meant to you. I think you will meet him in Paradise, God willing. Can you imagine the family and friends reunions that will be happening? What a day of Thanksgiving to our heavenly Father, the Great Spirit,Jehovah/Yahweh, through His Firstborn Son, Jesus our Lord, our owner and our brother. ~ John 4:24; Deuteronomy 4:24; Colossians 1:15; John 17: 2, 20: 17; Matthew 12: 50; Daniel 12: 3; 1st Thessalonians 4: 16; John 11:25 ~

Doggone it, Bill, you made me cry all over again. Need to watch your ‘Old Army Hat’ video and just finish the job off. You sing that one & hear loud sobbing at the Opry one of these nights…it might be me. God bless and stay well, our dear Whisperon’ Bill…

Can you please help me. Who sang “My Love for you is just a state of mind?” Don’t know the title but it was played by WJRZ in New Jersey around 1966 – 1967. The words (as much as remember) are, ” Lonely rivers flow like time, past the green hills far beyond, and somewhere past those hills my heart longs to be. So, don’t aske me where I’m goin ‘cuz I got no way of knowin, and my love for you is just a state of mind. It was a pretty song but I can’t remember who sang it and I have not been able to find all the lyrics. Any help info will be greatly appreciated.

Hope you and yours have a happy and wonderful new year Bill, I know we will, as long as we have you!!! You have brightened our lives as well as all your fans everywhere. God Bless you in all you do in the new year. Estelle and I look forward to our next visit with you.

Bill absolutely love The family Reunion Shows. I have everyone of them and the new one on order.Cannot beleive what a marvelous host you are. Hope there are many still on the way. Did Jean Sheperd ever get her book published? Would love to have it also

Bill, Thank you for your journal. I enjoy reading it. Thanks for your many years singing your songs for all of us to enjoy. I remember seeing you at Kleinhans Music Center in Buffalo, NY. At least I’m pretty sure it was there. Jan Howard was there with you also. I’ve enjoyed your music for many years. One of my favorite songs of yours is “Still”. Thank you for sharing your music. May God bless you and keep you safe.

Love you Bill, you are one of my favorites, went to see you at the Opry in the 80’s had front row seats and was a few minutes late getting there, it was during your segment and you got onto to us. We were just glad you spoke to us. Love Family Reunion.

Awe! This means so much to me that you shared this part of your life with us. God bless you and all of your Children and Grandchilren! For the sick ones in your family, I pray they will be healed. I am still excited to see you on Feb 8th at 7:30! I will be on the 8th row, 3rd or 4th seat!!! It has been a dream of mine for years!!!!!! Please take care and I WILL be praying for your son-in-law and 9 year old Grandson. I love Bill.
Thank you for coming so close to Jacksonville, NC so I could be able to see and hear you!!! One of my favorite songs is “STILL”!

Thanks for the thoughts Bill, this one shows another side of you. It’s a rare time indeed for my friend Bill Anderson to voice a complaint. But you had a few things sticking in your craw today but smoothed them over nicely as you always do. That’s why you have such a huge following, you have always been soft spoken and never ran with the drama mamas and their constant bickering or complaining. I think (IMHO) your name is synonymous with with “Good” and should be listed in Wikipedia as such. Now go ahead and tell me that was a left handed complement that included me. 🙂

Bill, love reading your journal. Prayers to your family members who are dealing with health problems. You are one awesome person yourself. Enjoy your music so much. Can’t wait for you to e on Larry’s Country Diner. Should be a blast.

Bill, thanks for many years of wonderful entertainment. I have always loved you! I’m so looking forward to meeting you on the Country Family Reunion/Larry’s Country Diner cruise to Alaska in July. Wish the cruise was coming all the way to Alaska and I could show you around Alaska!
See you soon!

HI BILL….GREAT NOTE FROM YOU..THANKS FOR YOUR YEARS OF GREAT WORK IN COUNTRY MUSIC
I MET YOU IN 1957, WHEN YOU CAME BY WKLY IN HARTWELL GA, AND GAVE ME YOUR RECORD OF
CITY LIGHTS, WE TALKED ON THE AIR , AND WHAT RESPONSE …OUR GENERATION HAS BEEN THE
BEST..MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY, AND ONE DAY WE ALL WILL BE TOGETHER AGAIN, SINCERLY,
CAL THORNTON, CLASS OF 52

Bil your thoughts about Ray Price were just great. We can all remember the last line of Golden Guitar. Ray plays with a band of Angels, and he dosen’t need an old Guitar. By the way, I was by your Grandfathers and Grandmothers home in Griffin GA this week.
I had to attend the funeral of my favorite neice in Griffin.

Bill you are STILL number one. I remember the first time I saw you, I had my teenage sister with me and after the concert she wanted to shake your hand, you kissed on the cheek she swore never to wash it again. We saw you in Pa. last night and Bill you still have it. Thank you for being the great person you are.

Bill I am so sorry for the loss in your family. I will keep Jenni and the children in my prayers that they will find comfort and peace. We just have to not forget that we will see our loved ones again when it comes our time to cross the Jordan..they will be waiting for us on the other side. Prayers and love to all of you… <3

he fought for us in so many ways your daughter his wife and kids will be in my thoughts and prays that they get thur this i know right now its hard but as time goes on they will be able to move forward but he will never be forgotten they will hold a special place in there hearts .that will never leave them thank you bill for letting us know tell your daughter and kids i will allway be greatful that he serviced for me in the service for us in our country thank you bill

i was there the first night you sang i remember and i learned poor folks my parents have talked to u about it i taught my 2 3 grade class the song they were with charlie collins when they talked to u charlie and larry mcneely were in dads band first THE BLUE VALLEY BOYS such great memories keep going

Hi Bill, I had the awesome oppertunity to meet you when I was six years old. You came to our little town in Virginia to our local movie theater. My mother waited for us to be the last in line to meet you. I was star struck and speechless, had I found the nerve I wanted to ask you something very out of the ordinary. I wanted you to come home with me and be my dad. As I grew up I learned that you had your own family but I would still pretend in my heart that you were my dad. This helped me through hard times. You have something inside that so many performers lack. When I first saw you on tv so long ago I knew you were very special person. I am glad you have a daughter and I know that you will be strength for her that she so needs at this time. Family loss is so tragic and painful. I have many of my family who have also passed. That strength will come each day when you need it most. I hope that some day I may get to meet you again. May God bless you richly in all that you continue to do.
Joyce Gallimore

Hi Bill, I feel like I know you pretty well, from watching CFR. I like what you do, and I also loved the country part, I can’t remember the name, but it was before God Bless America Again. I hope you get this, as I am just trying to learn Twitter, I would rather e mail. Thanks again, and I will be watching you, because I am from Massachusetts, where they do not have any show like CFR. I was trying to buy the DVD set, with Gene Watson and Rhonda Vincent, but every time I called there, they said I need a certain number. Now that I think of it, it may have been for your 50th anniversary in country music. I also love the way you and Mary Lou Turner sang “Sometime”. Thanks Arlene Buono

Bill, you are a great Man and i love all your Songs. i like the one ” Still ” i always loved Vince, now i even love him more after i read what he said to you, i like that Song also. God bless you both.
Gisela

I sure would like to know why I can’t get the lyrics to your songs, I have bought the cd’s and am really disgusted with not being able to get some of the lyrics, what is the reason any way. I am not buying any more of your cd’s because of this

Howdy Bill ,
Took in your show at the South Mountain fair , last month . I have seen you at Niagara Falls , along with “Tater” and also in Brockville with Kitty Wells , Johnny Wright , and Jean Shepherd . Thanks for the report , about the sad passing of George Hamilton . Country music will never die , as long as there are people like you around . Wishing you all the best .

Dear Brother Bill. I just finished watching George on one of the Family Reunion videos after reading your Journal. He was so kind and soft spoken that it reminded me of the fist time we met backstage some years ago. It was to be one of many times we would meet but I did not know that at the time. He always called me “Sir” even though he was several years my senior. He was so polite and kind and he loved the Grand Ole Opry and true Country Music. I will miss my friend and as more and more of those who believe in real Country Music seem to leave us, I cling to all the memories of you those that have gone Home but look forward to those good times to come as I know the Spirit of George Hamilton IV and many others are in the wings and on the stage every time that red curtain goes up. God Bless you George and may Jesus keep you close throughout eternity.

So sorry to hear that George Hamilton IV has passed away. We never really die, we go to our pernamant addess for the rest of enternity. Death sounds so final, but it’s just the start of the great beginning that our Lord has in store for us. Someone wrote a song,
now don’t you weap for me when I’m gone, for I won’t leave here alone. I really believe that and hope it brings some comfort to Georges family.

Bill: You have a way with words. God bless you. I was watching the Country Family Reunion Old Time Gospel DVD’s for the upteen time this past week and George Hamilton was talking about Hank Williams. When he finished, you said, George you should have been a preacher. I also remember another Country Family Reunion Series George was on and he sang Abilene and another version using Gasoline. I have several of these CFR sets and truly enjoyed each and everyone of them. Keep up tradition of CFR. May God comfort the Hamilton family in this time of sorrow. George will be missed on future CFR.

love RFDTV and Country’s Family Reunion. NEVER miss it. Love you and all the gang. Didn’t realize George Hamilton had died and so sorry to hear it. My husband thinks his song “Abilene” is the best ever. Whenever we hear it on the radio, he turns it up to listen to it, and no conversation is to go on.
Wish I could write music as I love to write poetry and all of it is about my own life’s experiences and think some of them would make good country songs. Where would be a good place for me to send a few of my poems to have an expert look at them and tell me if they are any good. Was not raised on Country music and when I met my husband to be that is all he listened to and I immediately fell in love with it. Tried teaching myself how to play the guitar but wasn’t very successful. When I hear a song on Family Reunion I think it is the one I love best, and then the next person sings and I think that is the one I love most. And, who is my favorite singer? I don’t know as love you all.

Bill, Everything around here has been so hectic lately and I hate to admit that I forgot to send you a card for your birthday ( A first in many years !!) I decided against trying to send a belated greeting by e-mail because my computer has been ‘hacked’ several times in the past few weeks and I know you have received ‘spam’ with my name on it several times. I sincerely apologize for all of this, just wish I knew how to get it stopped !! I constantly watch “Old Army Hat” over and over, it is absolutely terrific. Just watching it makes me miss you even more 🙁 Hoping that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and may God continue to bless you and yours !!
“STILL”
Jo Jo

Hello Bill,
With a recession forecasted for 2015, two more years of Obama, and the healthcare bill going in effect, the USA is not feeling very optimistic right now. The American people need a new song to lift our spirits and make us proud to be an American. I tried to write one but I know nothing about music. I was hoping to give you an idea for a new song that will make people want to stand up and cheer America. People are always saying God, Bless America. What about America, Bless God! God has been so good to America and we need to Bless Him. May God inspire and guide you on this task. Thank you.

My prayers are with you and the Opry family. I grew up listening to country music with my grandparents and Mom. When I took my first Opry cruise meeting you and Jimmy was the greatest vacation I have ever had. We always go to the Opry over the coliseum during music festival because that is where they keep country alive. We will miss Jimmy, but look forward to “Still” seeing you there to carry on with the music we love.

hi bill this is my first time to respond i love the country diner and also country memories you still sing great and still keep on kepping on becasue on god know when and where or what is next i stay close to Gene Watson i am so tired of this old world kids are so self center around them self take care and cant not wait tell this weather clears up and i will becomeing to nashville roman forest,texas take care of yourself god be with you and yours always
jackie

Hey Bill looking forward to the next time you come back to Regina. You are definatley the best songwriter and for sure in my top 5 singers with Ray Price and Vern Gosdin. Come back to Saskatchewan soon.

thanks for sharing Bill, and they are my heroes too and I stop to say hello every chance I get. I am a Navy vet and have visited the USS Arizona. I was born June of 1941. thank you for your service and thank you too Bill for your story

Im very saddened to hear of Jim Eds passing. I truly loved to hear his performances on the opry. Im glad he was able to get his Hall of Fame medal early. He is one of those artist that really was special and cannot be replaced. He will be missed so much

Bill i love jim Ed brown I’m sad and and I don’t even know the gentleman personally but i know he has some of the best dang country songs ever. For some reason it seems like I do know him personally and just glad that he got to enjoy the induction to hall of fame that he deserved with u. God bless. Long live traditional country music.

I am saddened to hear of Jim Ed’s passing.
We’ve lost another great one but soon heaven’s Grand Ole Opry Choir” will be complete.Love & prayers to his family & friends foe comfort at this difficult time.

Dear Bill Anderson, I’m so glad that you were able to present “Jim Ed Brown” with the Medallion that he so earnestly deserved before he passed away. Your article just made me cry. And you’re right he’s there where the circle won’t be broken. I know it had to be hard for you though. Because you are a family. “Love” to you and his immediate family too.

Such a beautifully written tribute. I barely got through reading this as the tears filled up my eyes and I felt and such emotions of both sadness and contentment for Jim and for what you “ALL” had done for him. Bless each and everyone of you for that.

Mr. Bill Anderson,
I don’t know if this will get to you, but I hope it does. My wife and I watch “Family Country Reunion” every week. We enjoy your Patriotic episodes very much, but notice one song that is missing on all episodes. It should be sung by someone as it is one of the beginning patriotic songs. It is
“There’s A Gold Star In Her Window” by Tex Ritter & Frank Harford Copy right 1944 during the Second World War.
Could you please include it in one of your next patriotic episodes?
Thanks,
Chuck Scott

Bill happy birthday ,I for got to send your b-d card,I sure hope you get well soon it no fun being sick ,I just had surgery my self,,I will pray for you ,I been doing so much of that ,for our dear friend Joey & and her family ,I will send your card out late ,I love ya Bill ,keep up the good songs

Dear Mr.Anderson,
So very sorry to hear that Sonny James died. I really enjoyed listening to him sing. I was wondering I didn’t receive your newsletter this month in my Emails. I’m still a fan of yours and Country Music!

So glad to read your letters. Sometimes I get behind & have to catch up but I will always enjoy hearing your latest news Bill. I’ve been a fan since a while & love all of your songs. Take Care & God Bless.

Bill I order your book and can’t wait to order your next book so than I will have all of the book you have out ,,I love all your song you are the best ,love ya Bill,,,,I have most of your cd,,,,Your friend always Ruth

I am saddened to hear that Jean Shephard has passed away. I first heard her sing “Second Fiddle To An Old Guitar” on a Capital Records Various Artists Compilation away back in the sixties. She was a great singer and obviously quite a character. I have watched many of your “Family Reunion Shows on Television and they are a joy. Keep up your great work Bill, you are a true master of your art and a great host on the best Country Music Show on TV.
I worked on the same show with you in 1969 or 1970, in The Grosvenor Hall Belfast. What a show you put on with your band on a night I will never forget. My band “The California Brakemen” opened the show for you, Lorretta Lynn and Conway Twitty.
Thank you Bill, for the memories, the inspiration, and all the great songs.
Crawford Bell

I got to listen to Bill sing on the radio many years ago as my folks listen to country music. I a west coast truck driver in the early 60’s and got to listen to Les Paul and Mary Ford on the only station you could get in the mountains and that is where I heard great country music and have loved it since then. TRUE country is so much better than some of the new stuff today. I have lots of CD’S and that is so how I can listen to my favorite music and have your CD’s. Glad I have RFDTV and get to see you on the great country music shows. GOD bless you and hope you are here for MANY more years.

HELLO MR ANDERSON….. MY SISTER IS 81 AND WE WATCH LARRY BLACK AND YOUR REUNION SHOW EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT …WE WERE SET TO PUT YOU ON BLAST FOR NOT MENTIONING MISS JEAN SHEPPARDS PASSING ….BUT ALAS YOU HAVE ADDRESED IT IN THIS SITE …THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVELY WORD,,,,,, BTW MY SISTER JOANIE LOVES YOU ” WHISPERING BILL”

Hey Mr Bill Anderson, I must say it’s a joy to see you now and then on Country Classics, & other shows..We have such fond memories of our few times together at the KC OPRY in Independence Mo..I still remember your show as one of our favorites..Remember visiting the “Po Boys” restaurants while you were here? You really cracked the whip. Ha ha..Anyway, hope we see you again sometime..I have always worn my seat belt ever since you told me the story about your wife, & what Barbara Mandrell told her…Thank you Bill. Karen & I now have 6 grandkids..Your grand daughter was adorable..They are such a blessing…God bless you, & yours Tuffy & Karen Williamshighview1650@msn.com 816-536-0467

Hi Bill, gonna keep this short, but have been informed that Billy Crash Craddock has never been on the Opry. He has had may hits over the years and has many followers who would love to see him get this opportunity. Thanking you in advance.

Bill I’m so very sorry about the latest news on Gabe. He has been a real trooper and I wish him and his parents, siblings and ofcourse, his grandparents the best. I know this is very very hard for all of you.

Latest Journal

If, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, these three pictures are worth their weight in gold. They were taken on one of Mel Tillis’ last appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. You can see from the smile on my face how easily he could make me laugh…and in the last picture you can see how much we genuinely cared for one another.

I probably knew Mel longer than I knew any other Nashville artist. We met in late 1957 or early 1958 on a show called the Peach State Jamboree in Swainsboro, Georgia. I was one of the “local” entertainers and Mel was the week’s special guest from Nashville.